Tex-Mex Restaurants You Need To Try In Metro Manila

They have the food, drinks and ambiance to match

There’s something about Tex-Mex food that makes us want to grab a drink along with the food we’re always ready to eat. And while the equation is relatively the same for every restaurant, there’s no denying that some of them outshine their competitors. It takes a special balance between food, drinks and ambiance to keep us coming back for more.

Chihuahua Mexican Grill & Margarita Bar

With branches around Makati and BGC

Proudly displaying a signage right out front that claims they have the best burrito in town, Chihuahua isn’t that far off. Their servings are generous, the ambiance is catchy and you can practically personalize your food. From their counter of free toppings to the fillings of your burrito, taco or burrito bowl—have it your way every time.

Taco Vengo

United Street, Kapitolyo

Unlike most Tex-Mex places, Taco Vengo’s aesthetic is a little on the simpler side. But what they lack in colors, they make up for in flavor. Their take on Mexican food is different, as you can tell by their Nacos por Machos, which is topped with chorizo, caramelized onions, sour cream, cheese and an egg. Take your time with the menu—you’ll get dizzy with their options—and we mean that in a good way.

Silantro Fil-Mex Cantina

With branches in Kapitolyo and UP Town Center

To stretch out your wallet, get your fill at Silantro Fil-Mex Cantina. Their servings are generous (hello, cheese!), the food is of quality and you’re sure to appreciate the prices, too. Get a plate of nachos or go all-out with one of their paella dishes. Do get ready to fight off fellow customers though—the place is usually full!

Lo De Alberto

Dona Julia Vargas Avenue, Pasig

If you’re in the mood for something a little more traditional, Lo De Alberto is where you should head to. Everyone that’s tried their beef tacos walk out with more than satisfied bellies. Of course, if you can’t make up your mind, they also have the Tres Amigos Taco Platter, which gives you a sampling of their pork, chicken and beef tacos.

Madeca

The Podium Mall, Ortigas Center, Pasig

For the best Filipino-inspired Mexican dishes, you cannot go wrong with Madeca. The restaurant puts some of our favorite home staples in tortilla wraps and tacos. Their Lechon Kawali Burrito will fill your stomach to the brim and your tongue will be dancing in happiness. They also have Sisig Soft Tacos and Salpicao Mexikanin.

El Pollo Loco

With branches in SM Megamall and SM Mall Of Asia

You cannot go wrong with the Spanish Rice Salsa Signature Chicken of El Pollo Loco. To give it a more Mexican twist, use the tortilla to wrap everything into a burrito. Some audiences even prefer to ditch the rice altogether and just go with the tortilla.

Julio’s Home of the Chalupa

Ugong, Pasig

Taco shells are either hard or soft, but Julio’s Home gives it a twist by combining the two ideas. The Chalupa is similar to soft taco in particular, but the tortilla is deep fried, thereby giving the dish a crunchy exterior and chewy interior. Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it!

A’Toda Madre

Sunette Tower, Durban, Makati

The name itself means “every mother” and “great”—two definitions that give you an insight of the food you’ll be trying in A’Toda Madre. Their burrito is particularly a steal and you’ll enjoy it tremendously with the cozy design of the place.

El Chupacabra

Poblacion, Makati

El Chupacabra is not the easiest place to find, but if you head over to Poblacion, you’ll find the quaint restaurant by following the music and tummy-crumbling smells. Order a plate of their soft sisig tacos, get some beer and enjoy yourself.

El Hijo de Cabra

The Hub, Greenfield District, Highway Hills, Mandaluyong

The menu of El Hijo de Cabra is a lot like El Chupacabra’s, but in terms of food, El Hijo adds one particular dish: Peruvian roast chicken. They also serve Chicken Skin Chicharrones and Patacones.